Frenkie de Jong reportedly has no interest in signing with Manchester United, instead preferring either Chelsea or Bayern Munich if he is to leave Barcelona.
De Jong has been at the centre of Barcelona’s transfer period, with widespread belief that the club must sell the 25-year-old to balance their books.
The Netherlands international has racked up 140 club appearances for Barcelona in his three seasons since arriving from Ajax, and he is determined to have a say in where he spends the next few years of his prime.
TOP STORY – DE JONG PREFERS CHELSEA, BAYERN OVER OLD TRAFFORD MOVE
In an explosive report from Spanish publication Sport, it says De Jong “does not like the city of Manchester or the functioning of United”, with claims he feels the club has displayed “erratic behaviour” in recent years.
It also makes clear that he values Champions League football greatly at this point in his career, and any move away from the Spanish giants would need to land him at a club on equal footing.
According to the report, Chelsea are waiting for De Jong to officially decline United’s approach before presenting a formal offer, but there is interest.
Ultimately, he would prefer to stay at Barcelona, and if the club cannot clear up the issue of his significant unpaid wages, he may get his way.
ROUND-UP
– Chelsea have set their sights on 20-year-old RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, with The Sun declaring him the Blues’ top target to replace Cesar Azpilicueta.
– Sky Sports Germany is reporting Borussia Dortmund are weighing up the potential signing of 35-year-old Luis Suarez in the wake of news that Sebastien Haller will be out indefinitely after the discovery of a testicular tumour.
– West Ham remain engaged with Chelsea as they try to pry away 20-year-old Albanian striker Armando Broja, who Thomas Tuchel is said to be a fan of.
– With fullback Marc Cucurella likely heading to Manchester City, Brighton are considering a loan move for Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares to plug the hole, according to O Jogo.
– The Guardian claims Jesse Lingard is in advanced talks to join Nottingham Forest, with the Daily Mail adding they have offered £200,000 to try and fend off interest from West Ham.